The McComb Panthers come into the second round of the playoffs projected to get a victory over the Leipsic Vikings by a score of 35-18. However, anything can happen in the playoffs so you can throw mathematical predictions out the window. The playoffs are the best time of the year but also come with a great deal of drama as many powerhouses will even see their seasons cut short. Each week, it's do or die and, after this week is complete, half of the current playoff teams will be eliminated. McComb comes in as Division 7's 4th-ranked team. Leipsic comes in ranked 15th. This is a chance for the Vikings to avenge a loss from earlier on in the regular season, when the Panthers beat them 38-7. We'll see if one team can take a 3-1 advantage over the last two years after two matchups last season were split, the Panthers coming away with the victory by a score of 29-14. However, in the game that mattered most, the Panthers came out on top 21-0.

Looking to build upon their 4-game winning streak, McComb comes into the week at 10-1. After their 45-21 win against the Patrick Henry Patriots, they are confident in their ability to finish strong. Thus far, the Panthers offense has put up an average of 44.5 points per game, which ranks 17th in the state. In recent weeks, they've been even more powerful, scoring an average of 50.5 points per game over the last 4 weeks. While their defense has given up more points than usual in recent weeks, they deserve every bit as much of the credit for this season's successes as the offense. Over the course of the season, they've given up an average of 12.8 points per game, which ranks 9th in their division.

Leipsic is no stranger to winning recently as they come off of a 5-game winning streak, including last week's 40-14 win against the Mohawk Warriors. That brings their record to 10-1 as they look to add another notch to the win column. Scoring an average of 38.8 points per game on offense, the Vikings rank 8th in Division 7. They've been even more dominant in recent weeks, scoring an average of 45.4 over their last 5 games. While recent games have affected averages negatively, their defense is one of the best as well. They rank 15th in their division, giving up an average of 15.8 points per game.